Italian Lawyer for International Clients Based Abroad
An English-speaking Italian lawyer in Italy — handling your legal matter locally while you manage everything from abroad.
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15+ Years Practising Italian Law for Foreign Clients
Since 2009, the firm has worked with individuals and companies from the US, UK, Australia, Canada and across the EU who needed an Italian lawyer to resolve legal issues in Italy on their behalf.
2,000+ Cases Managed Across All Italian Regions
Debt recovery, property purchases, contract disputes, succession matters, personal injury claims and citizenship cases — handled nationwide, from Milan to Sicily, through every level of the Italian court system.
Built for Clients Who Cannot Be in Italy
Every process is designed for remote collaboration: power of attorney, digital document exchange, video calls and regular written updates. You never need to travel to Italy unless you choose to.
Why You Need an Italian Lawyer Based in Italy When You Are Abroad
Italian law is a civil law system with rules, procedures and court practices that are fundamentally different from common law jurisdictions like the US, UK or Australia. Contracts follow different formation rules. Court proceedings have different timelines. Enforcement mechanisms work differently. A lawyer from your home country cannot appear before Italian courts or interact with Italian authorities on your behalf.
An Italian lawyer based in Italy can do what no one else can: file claims in Italian courts, negotiate directly with Italian counterparties in their own language, coordinate with notaries and public offices, and navigate the procedural requirements that apply specifically to cases governed by Italian law.
This is particularly critical when deadlines are involved. Italian law imposes strict time limits on many legal actions — from accepting or renouncing an inheritance to filing personal injury claims or responding to a decreto ingiuntivo. Missing a deadline can mean losing your rights entirely, and these deadlines cannot be extended because you are abroad.
Working with an Italian lawyer who understands both the Italian legal system and the practical needs of international clients means your case is handled correctly from the start, with no procedural gaps and no miscommunication.
Who We Assist as Italian Lawyers for International Clients
Studio Legale Giorgianni works with a specific type of client: individuals and companies who are not in Italy but have a legal problem that requires action within the Italian legal system. Our clients typically fall into the following categories:
Foreign law firms and agencies requiring local counsel in Italy — particularly for citizenship judicial proceedings, enforcement of foreign judgments and cross-border litigation support
Foreign individuals with legal disputes in Italy — property issues, inheritance claims, personal injury cases or debt recovery matters that must be resolved under Italian law
International companies doing business with Italian counterparties — contract disputes, unpaid invoices, commercial litigation and enforcement of foreign judgments in Italy
Foreign buyers and investors purchasing real estate in Italy — who need legal due diligence, contract review and transaction support from an Italian real estate lawyer
Heirs and families abroad dealing with Italian estates — succession procedures, bank account access, property transfers and forced heirship disputes
Descendants of Italian nationals seeking citizenship by descent — particularly when consulate delays or 1948 maternal line cases require judicial proceedings in Italy
Foreign property owners with post-acquisition issues — evictions, tenant disputes, co-ownership conflicts and lease enforcement under Italian property law.
Italian Legal Services for Individuals and Companies Abroad
The firm provides legal assistance across the practice areas most commonly encountered by international clients dealing with Italian law. Each area is handled by the firm directly, with no outsourcing or referrals to third parties.
How We Work with Clients Based Outside Italy
Everything is managed remotely — you never need to travel to Italy unless you want to
Step 1
Initial Legal Assessment
Submit your request through our form or book a video call. We review your situation, confirm whether Italian law applies and assess whether legal assistance can be provided. You receive a clear initial evaluation — typically within 48 hours — so you understand your legal position before making any commitment.
Step 2
Scope and Fees
If we can assist, you receive a written proposal that defines exactly what we will do, what it will cost and the expected timeline. Legal fees are agreed before any work begins. If you decide not to proceed, there is no obligation and no charge for the initial assessment.
Step 3
Direct Communication
Once engaged, you communicate directly with the Italian lawyer handling your case — not with an office manager or assistant. Updates are provided regularly via email, and video calls or phone calls are scheduled whenever needed. All key documents are shared digitally for your review and approval.
Step 4
Case Management
We manage every aspect of your case locally in Italy: court filings, hearings, notary appointments, communications with counterparties and Italian authorities. When required, we act under power of attorney on your behalf, so legal actions can proceed without your physical presence. The firm serves as your single point of reference in Italy from start to resolution.
About Studio Legale Giorgianni
Studio Legale Giorgianni is an Italian law firm that has built its practice around a specific need: providing reliable legal assistance in Italy to people and companies who are not in Italy. The firm is based in Italy and operates nationwide — from the first legal assessment through to the final resolution of the matter.
Every case is handled directly, without intermediaries or outsourcing. The firm does not refer cases to other lawyers or use external networks. When you engage us as your Italian lawyer, you work with us throughout the entire process. Learn more about the firm
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Italian Lawyer from Abroad
Do I need to travel to Italy to hire an Italian lawyer?
No. The entire process can be managed remotely. We communicate via email, phone and video calls, and when legal actions require your authorisation, we use a power of attorney (procura) so that we can act on your behalf in Italy without you needing to travel. Many of our clients resolve their legal matters in Italy without ever setting foot in the country.
How do I give an Italian lawyer the authority to act on my behalf?
Through a power of attorney (procura), which is a formal legal document that authorises your Italian lawyer to represent you before courts, notaries and public authorities in Italy. Depending on the type of legal matter, the procura can be signed digitally, at an Italian consulate or before a notary in your country and then apostilled for use in Italy.
What languages does the firm work in?
All client communication is conducted in English. Legal documents and court proceedings in Italy are in Italian, but we provide clear explanations and translations of all relevant documents so that you always understand what is happening with your case.
How are legal fees structured?
Legal fees are agreed in advance before any work begins. You receive a written proposal that outlines the scope of work, expected timeline and total cost. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. For some types of cases, fees may be structured as a fixed amount; for others, they are based on the complexity and stages involved. This is always discussed transparently during the initial assessment.
Can an Italian lawyer handle my case anywhere in Italy?
Yes. Under Italian law, a lawyer (avvocato) registered with the Italian bar can represent clients before any court in Italy, regardless of where the firm is physically located. Studio Legale Giorgianni operates nationwide and regularly handles cases in courts across all Italian regions, from northern Italy to Sicily and Sardinia.
What is the difference between an Italian lawyer and an Italian notary?
In Italy, lawyers (avvocati) and notaries (notai) have distinct roles. A notary is a public official who authenticates certain legal acts — such as property transfers and company formations — but does not represent either party. A lawyer represents and advises you, reviews contracts in your interest, negotiates on your behalf and can take legal action in court if needed. For most legal matters, particularly those involving disputes or complex transactions, you need a lawyer. In real estate transactions, both a lawyer and a notary are typically involved.
How long does it take to resolve a legal matter in Italy?
Timelines vary significantly depending on the type of matter. Out-of-court actions such as demand letters or negotiated settlements can be resolved in weeks. Court proceedings in Italy typically take longer — a decreto ingiuntivo (fast-track payment order) may be obtained in a few weeks, while contested civil litigation can take one to three years depending on the court and complexity. During the initial assessment, we always provide a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
What happens during the initial legal assessment?
You describe your situation — either through our contact form or during a video call — and we assess whether Italian law applies, whether legal action is possible and what your options are. This is not a generic consultation: we review the specifics of your case and provide a practical evaluation. If we can assist, we follow up with a written proposal. If not, we will tell you honestly and, where possible, suggest an alternative direction.
Need an Italian Lawyer?
If you require legal assistance in Italy or wish to understand how your matter can be approached under Italian law, you may request an initial legal assessment.
Request an Initial Legal Assessment